1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car

The 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car upheld Pontiac's legacy of creating excitement at auto shows. Throughout the late 1980s, Pontiac's showcase models consistently impressed both critics and attendees.

For instance, in 1987, the high-performance Pontiac Pursuit concept car debuted as a sleek four-seat coupe. This was followed by the 1988 Banshee, which foreshadowed the design of the 1993-2000 Firebird models.

What could Pontiac do next in 1989? They decided to explore something entirely new: the fast-growing sport-utility vehicle market. The idea was to evoke the spirit of adventure, outdoor fun, and sunny escapades. This move was designed to appeal to younger audiences, signaling that Pontiac understood their interests and lifestyles.

The outcome was the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car, a vehicle that instantly communicated its youthful, sporty appeal, tailored to attract energetic singles. J. Michael Losh, Pontiac's general manager, called it "vibrant, stylish transportation for buyers under 35 or anyone young at heart."

Its resemblance to the classic Volkswagen Beetle dune buggy is clear, but the Stinger was reimagined with cutting-edge technology for a modern era.

For instance, it featured an advanced suspension system built to handle rough off-road conditions, offering a smoother ride even in challenging environments. Those familiar with the bumpy experience of older dune buggies would appreciate this significant upgrade.

Pontiac aimed to blend the features of a car, jeep, truck, and van into one versatile vehicle, targeting not just the youth but also active, sports-loving individuals with dynamic lifestyles.

The 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car was designed to serve two purposes: practicality during the week and excitement on weekends. Designer Dave Ross described it as an "attitude car," envisioning it as a versatile and customizable mode of transportation.

While the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car had an appealing concept, how well did it achieve its goals? Discover more on the next page.

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1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Design

The design of the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car targeted off-road enthusiasts, pickup and van lovers, and even motorcycle riders. By incorporating the right mix of features and accessories, the designers aimed to appeal to surfers, campers, rock climbers, and all kinds of outdoor adventurers.

When fully assembled, the Pontiac Stinger concept car maintained a relatively conventional appearance. However, the real surprise came when the glass panels were removed, creating a captivating automotive strip-tease. Once all five panels were gone, the vehicle transformed into an open-air sports car, completely exposed to the environment.

Even the large door panels were designed for quick removal, allowing fresh air to circulate around passengers' legs. But Pontiac's designers didn’t stop there—they added a beverage cooler to utilize the space, ensuring cold drinks were always available for beachgoers and adventurers.

The cooler was only the start. Few vehicles, if any, could boast an accessory list as extensive as the Pontiac Stinger concept car's.

Hidden in various compartments inside the car were a detachable radio (complete with a carrying case) for beachside entertainment, a portable vacuum to remove sand from seats, a camp stove, and a flashlight. The Stinger's innovative design also included a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, toolbox, and even a hose.

On busy weekends, there was no need to hunt for a picnic spot; the Stinger came equipped with its own foldable table for outdoor meals. Additionally, the front passenger seat doubled as a removable camp chair for added convenience.

To some critics, the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car seemed like little more than a bundle of accessories. However, there was more to this vehicle, as you'll discover on the next page.

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1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Interior

The interior of the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car was packed with an array of gadgets. Just when you thought you'd seen it all, another cleverly hidden feature would surprise you.

Among the many accessories were an extension cord, binoculars with a case, a sewing kit, a compass with a magnifying glass, an umbrella, tote bags, a brush and dustpan, and even a calculator for tracking gas mileage or daily expenses. A pull-out drawer housed a cellular phone.

In essence, this futuristic sport-utility vehicle was equipped with every gadget a young adventurer might need for a weekend getaway. Each item was meticulously organized, with nothing left loose or unsafe—everything was securely fastened in place.

Lead designer Terry Henline referred to the Stinger as "a piece of sports equipment." Popular Science magazine likened it to a "Swiss army knife on wheels."

Lightweight construction was a key design principle, leading to the use of a carbon-fiber body. The front end seamlessly integrated headlamps and fog lights. The sleek windshield extended into a detachable roof panel, blending into a space-frame roll bar equipped with roof lights and an adjustable spoiler.

A non-scratch paint finish was ideal for off-road adventures. The large rocker panels evoked the classic running boards of older vehicles.

Marietta Kearney, the senior interior designer, aimed to capture the essence of "young Californians kicking off their weekend after a busy workweek—embodying freedom and energy." This vision resulted in a sturdy, functional interior rather than luxurious comfort, with a motorcycle-inspired feel in the controls and overall design.

The upholstery and trim mirrored the gray and green color scheme of the exterior. The seats, gray with vibrant green highlights, were crafted from wet-suit material, giving them a perpetually wet appearance, even when dry.

The radio controls were large, and the steering wheel was surprisingly big. The six-way power seats featured memory settings and an inflatable bladder system for customized comfort in the front.

While a stylish design is one thing, performance is another, as any car enthusiast knows. Continue reading to discover how the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car delivered on its bold design promises.

To learn more about concept cars and the production vehicles they inspire, explore the following:

1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Performance

While the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car's performance wasn't the primary focus, it certainly wasn't neglected, even if other features seemed to take precedence.

For instance, if rear-seat passengers wanted a better view of the surroundings, the two back seats could be raised to a convenient height. These seats extended 15 inches above their standard position when the Stinger was stationary—provided the transparent rear roof panel was removed. At night or for daytime naps, the bucket seats could be flattened to form a makeshift bed.

A section of the rear glass could even be flipped up to act as a rear-mounted windshield, reminiscent of classic rumble seats. (It's fascinating how elements from automotive history continue to resurface.)

When the designers finally turned their attention to the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car's performance, they opted for a 3.0-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine under the hood, delivering 170 horsepower. Four-wheel drive came standard, alongside a three-speed automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes.

The active pneumatic suspension allowed for adjustable ride height. With a simple adjustment, the entire vehicle could be raised by four inches—a crucial feature for navigating uneven terrain.

The Pontiac Stinger concept car was fitted with Goodyear tires, sized 295/55R16 at the front and matching 18-inch tires at the rear. An attitude gyro on the dashboard displayed the vehicle's tilt angle, helping drivers avoid exceeding safe limits. An electric compass was an added convenience for those venturing off the beaten path.

Pontiac's strategists were confident that a versatile, all-season vehicle like the Stinger had a clear market potential and could generate profits. They cited the popularity of models such as Suzuki's Samurai and Sidekick, Dodge's Raider, and similar offerings at the time.

Like all concept cars, the decision to produce something akin to the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car ultimately rested on General Motors' discretion.

For detailed specifications of the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car, proceed to the next page.

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1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Specifications

Similar to many late 1980s models, the 1989 Pontiac Stinger concept car targeted a younger audience. The specifications below highlight how Pontiac envisioned a lightweight, sporty utility vehicle resonating with the youth of that era.

Manufacturer: Pontiac Division, General Motors Corp., Pontiac, MI

Body design: 2+2-passenger, 2-door roadster; carbon-fiber body on steel frame

Powertrain layout: front-engine, 4-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 98.0 inches

Overall length: 164.8 inches

Overall width: 73.7 inches

Overall height: 58.8 inches

Track, front: 61.6 inches

Track, rear: 61.6 inches

Weight: approx. 3,000 pounds

Approximate price: not available

Engine type: inline 4-cylinder (16-valve)

Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 3.0/183

Horsepower @ rpm: 170 @ 6500

Torque (lbs./ft.) @ rpm: 200 @ 6000

Fuel delivery: fuel injection

Transmission: 3-speed automatic

Suspension, front: independent, pneumatic active

Suspension, rear: independent, pneumatic active

Brakes: front/rear discs, anti-lock

1989 Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Performance

Top speed: not available

0-60 mph: not available

Quarter-mile: not available

mph @ quarter-mile: not available

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